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the western Thursday, March 13, 2025
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Get the help you need at your place. Starts on page 29
The Voice of Penrith
westernweekender.com.au
HONOUR FOR TONY His name was synonymous with business in Penrith for decades. These days, Tony Ferguson is living a quiet life at The Royce. But he’s surfaced to receive a major honour. Ally Hall reports on Page 14.
Photo: Melinda Jane.
MORE THAN 200 WOMEN CONTACTED OVER BIRTH UNIT REVELATION
HOSPITAL HEP B SCARE TROY DODDS
M
ore than 200 women who gave birth at Nepean Hospital over an 11 year period have been warned about a potential hepatitis B exposure. Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health
District (NBMLHD) has commenced contacting 223 women who gave birth at the hospital between 2013 and 2024. A healthcare worker in the Birth Unit was infectious with hepatitis B during this period of time, it has been revealed. The hospital says exposure is low risk but it is taking no chances.
“NSW Health is not aware of any person being infected with hepatitis B by this healthcare worker,” NBMLHD said in a statement. “Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District understands hearing this may cause concern within our community and to those directly impacted. For this we extend our sincerest apologies.”
The NSW Health Blood Borne Viruses Advisory Panel has reviewed the care provided by the healthcare worker and determined the risk of transmission is low for the 223 women and 143 children. NSW Health started contacting impacted patients this week. Story continues on » p. 9
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